Benchmark A Reflection: Learning about the SDGs & First Meeting with Senior Advisor

Learning about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) helped me see how my project could contribute to addressing global challenges on a local level. These goals inspired me to think about creating something that can make a meaningful difference in communities.

During my first meeting with my senior advisor, we discussed simple project ideas and how to align them with the SDGs. The conversation left me feeling focused and motivated, with a clearer direction for shaping my project.

Promoting Responsible Consumption: A Local Recycling Initiative for SDG 12

For my SDG Senior Capstone Project, I’ve chosen to focus on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This goal emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in resource consumption and waste management to reduce our environmental footprint. My specific focus is on improving recycling practices in my local community. Many residents are unaware of proper recycling procedures, leading to contamination in recycling bins and causing potentially recyclable materials to end up in landfills.

One potential project idea I’m considering is creating a community recycling awareness campaign. This initiative could involve distributing informative flyers, hosting workshops, and collaborating with local schools to educate people on what can and cannot be recycled. Another approach could involve working with local businesses to help them adopt sustainable practices like reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly habits in their daily operations.

This project reflects a glocal issue, meaning it’s both locally significant and globally impactful. On a local level, I can help reduce waste in my community, while on a global scale, these efforts contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals. By fostering awareness and promoting responsible consumption, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to SDG 12.

Community Survey - Learning About Local Recycling Habits

1. • To better understand local recycling habits, we conducted a community-wide survey. The results highlighted common misconceptions, such as the belief materials can only be recycled once. Many materials, like aluminum and glass, can be recycled indefinitely. These insights informed our awareness campaign and helped tailor our educational materials to address prevalent myths.

Planning Our Awareness Campaign - Steps for Action

1. • With data in hand, we began planning our awareness campaign. We outlined key activities, set measurable goals, and assigned roles within the team. Flyers, workshops, and school partnerships emerged as central pillars of our strategy. It was inspiring to see everyone’s ideas come together into a cohesive action plan.